Bill
SR 481
Recognizes Georgia State Patrol Post 4 (Villa Rica) as the 2024 Post of the Year for data-driven safety improvements and expanded patrol presence, boosting public safety.
Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced: April 30, 2025
Classification: Senate resolution
Note on source: The legislative text provided contains two distinct resolution texts combined in one file. One recognizes Georgia State Patrol Post 4 (Villa Rica) as the 2024 “Post of the Year.” The other is a memorial resolution mourning the death of Michael “Shawn” Way (Illinois). This summary treats both components separately and then summarizes procedural actions and sponsors as listed.
Purpose and intent
- To recognize and commend Georgia State Patrol Post 4 (Villa Rica) for receiving the 2024 “Post of the Year” award and to honor the post’s leadership, personnel, and operational improvements that increased public safety.
Key provisions and findings
- Notes Post 4 was the busiest Georgia State Patrol post in 2024 with 6,644 calls for service.
- Documents enforcement and response activity: 17,343 traffic stops; 12,273 citations; 15,465 warnings; 335 impaired-driver arrests; and 4,900 crash investigations.
- Describes an operational problem (delayed crash response and 1,452 call cancellations by local agencies) and a data-driven response led by Post Commander SFC Justin Hogan using SmartData analytics.
- Records an implemented modified Trooper schedule that increased Trooper presence during peak periods and redistributed call volume.
- Reports measured outcomes after the schedule change: 26% increase in Trooper presence during peak weekdays; 35% increase in crashes investigated; 71% decrease in local-agency call cancellations; increased traffic enforcement; and a 22% decrease in crash fatalities.
- Notes community-supported acquisition of PepperBall launchers for personnel and that each Troop D post has at least one Trooper equipped with this non-lethal option.
- Lists key Post leaders, named Troopers, and administrative staff credited in the resolution.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make an appropriate copy of the resolution available to Post 4 Villa Rica.
Who is affected
- Post 4 personnel, Georgia State Patrol, local law enforcement partners, and the communities served by Post 4 — primarily Carroll and Douglas counties as referenced.
Impact
- Ceremonial recognition highlighting effective leadership and operational reforms; no regulatory or fiscal changes.
Purpose and intent
- To mourn the passing of Michael “Shawn” Way and to extend condolences to his family, friends, and community.
Key biographical points cited
- Born October 1, 1962, in Rockford; deceased October 3, 2025.
- Education: Holy Family Catholic School; Boylan Catholic Central High School; degree in marketing from Northern Illinois University.
- Career: 20 years at AMCORE Bank; co‑founder of Rockford Bank & Trust; later served ~13 years as CEO of Milestone, Inc. (an organization serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities).
- Civic involvement and fundraising for local nonprofits and schools; membership on finance/foundation committees.
- Personal: married to Kathy Darnell (38 years); named children and siblings; enjoyed sports and golfing.
Who is affected
- Family, friends, colleagues, and the Rockford community.
Impact
- Ceremonial expression of sympathy and a directive to present a copy of the resolution to the family; no legal or budgetary effect.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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